For the second time in 7 weeks the Wests Tigers and Gold Coast Titans will lock horns this Sunday afternoon at Leichhardt Oval. The Tigers won the previous encounter, belting the Titans 42-12 at Cbus Super Stadium on a scorching Sunday afternoon on the Gold Coast. On that occasion Wests were led by Luke Brooks, James Tedesco and the rampaging forward pack that is now fast gaining credibility.
A lot has changed since then. Prior to Monday night's defeat at Penrith, the Titans were actually top of the table with the Wests loss their only one prior to that point. The Tigers themselves also sit pretty on the table with 5 wins in their first 7 matches, buoyed by a stellar victory over the Eels on Monday afternoon - minus a host of players including captain Robbie Farah.
The Tigers make minimal changes to the side for the round 8 encounter with the Titans with prop James Gavet unfortunately out for a month with a hamstring injury. His absence is filled by the returning Liam Fulton who missed monday's clash with a shoulder injury. Fulton returns to the run on side with Sitaleki Akauola moving back to the bench. Blake Austin retains his spot in the squad as back up hooker to Joel Luani. A combination which paid dividends versus the Eels.
The Titans lose prop Matt White from their bench this week due to suspension with Mark Ioane his replacement on the bench. Fullback Will Zillman (hamstring) is also missing despite being named in last weekend's squad and could potentially be a late inclusion perhaps?
Tigers: Kurtis Rowe, David Nofoaluma, Tim Simona, Chris Lawrence, Pat Richards, Braith Anasta (c), Luke Brooks, Aaron Woods, Joel Luani, Keith Galloway, Liam Fulton, Bodene Thompson, Adam Blair. Interchange: Martin Taupau, Ava Seumanufagai, Blake Austin, Sitaleki Akauola
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